Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that typically leads to permanent sterilization. It is the most common form of male contraception in the United States, and more than a half a million men have a vasectomy each year. It is safe, highly effective, and has no impact on erection or sexual performance.

Sperm are produced in the testicles; they then pass through the urethra and are ejaculated during sexual intercourse. Vasectomy prevents sperm from mixing with semen by blocking the sperm ducts. After vasectomy, sperm continue to be produced. However, during ejaculation, the sperm make it only as far as the newly blocked point in the ducts, where they are reabsorbed. As a result, there are no sperm in the ejaculated semen during intercourse.

Vasectomy is intended as a permanent means of birth control. Freedom from fear of producing an unwanted child may improve the enjoyment of sex for you and your partner. But, a vasectomy will not prevent infection if either of you have a sexually transmitted disease.

Vasectomy only affects sperm in your ejaculation. The prostate and seminal vesicles continue producing fluids that are ejaculated. After vasectomy, the amount of fluid ejaculated decreases by 5%. Vasectomy has no effect on the ability to get or keep an erection, and male hormone levels remain the same. It will not cause impotence or decrease your sex drive.

Vasectomy is an outpatient procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia with a sedative to relax you. One or 2 small incisions are made in the scrotum. Then, short segments of the sperm ducts (vas deferens)--about ½ inch to l inch of each duct—are cut and removed to reduce the possibility of their rejoining. You will feel a pulling sensation from the testicles and perhaps a dull ache for a brief moment. The sealed ends of the vasa will be returned to the scrotum. The incisions are so small the stitches may not be needed. If stitches are used, they will dissolve by themselves. You should bring an athletic supporter with you to wear after the procedure.

Vasectomy is the safest and most effective form of long-term contraception. Less than two out of every one thousand men who have a vasectomy continue having sperm in their semen. So you should continue to use protection during intercourse until semen analysis show no sperm.

After the procedure, you should go straight home and continue wearing the athletic supporter. No exercise, straining, or heavy lifting should be done for at least 48 hours. A pulling sensation to the scrotum may persist for a week or two. This is normal and is usually relieved with scrotal support (i.e., athletic supporter). Some swelling to the scrotum and testicles is normal, as is moderate discomfort for a day or two. Swell is normal for even several weeks, but you should notify your doctor if swelling grows larger than a silver dollar.

You should postpone sexual activity until the incision is completely healed. Because sperm can survive for 6 months or more, you will be asked to bring one or more specimens of semen to your follow-up visit to verify the success of the procedure. Unprotected intercourse should not take place until sterility is assured. Most doctors suggest a minimum of 3 to 4 months, and we advise a minimum of 20 ejaculations before performing the first semen analysis. A second analysis indicating absence of sperm is recommended before you resume unprotected intercourse.

Yes. Vasectomy is a very low-risk procedure, but there is always possibility of complications. Although they are rare, bleeding (hematoma) and infections are the most common complications. Sperm granuloma, which is a hard (sometimes painful) pea-sized lump, may form as a result of sperm leaking from the cut vas deferens. Such a lump is not dangerous. In time, it is nearly always reabsorbed back into the body. Congestion is a sense of pressure caused by sperm in the testes, epididymis, and lower vas deferens that may cause discomfort for as long 2 to 12 weeks after vasectomy. Like granuloma, congestion usually eventually resolves itself.

In the rare event that vasectomy is unsuccessful, unplanned pregnancy can occur, and a second procedure may be necessary.

Vasectomy is not intended for men who plan to have children later. Reversing vasectomy is possible, but it is a far more demanding procedure, the costs are significantly greater, and insurance may not cover them. Therefore, you should approach a vasectomy as if it were irreversible.